I'm feeling a little like Noah at this moment in time...as the artists they come in two by two. Yes last time round we took the opportunity to check out a duo by the name of DRINSIPA and without beating around the bush, I would have set fire to that bush, dug up the roots then cemented it over. It wasn't good...so I approach this next duo with more than a little trepidation. Let me introduce to you JOHNOSSI. Hailing from Saltsjöbaden, (Stockholm county, Sweden) the pair consisting of guitarist/vocalist John Englebert and percussionist Oskar "Ossi" Bonde are a massive draw in their home country...platinum selling artists, P3 Gold awards (Sweden's answer to BBC Radio 1)...they've played to thousands in outdoor venues and even supported GREENDAY. This sounds much more promising! The duo are set to release their newest EP "Air Is Free" via Polydor Records no less...let's breathe it in...

We open up with the title track and we've got...horns? Not Ronnie James Dio all hail the devil horns...no...actual brass horns. There's a blues-inspired vibe to this, there are Western elements, choir vocals...the level of crossover indie-pop here is unbelievable but instead of being a complete mess it sounds absolutely HUGE, all credit to them. There is such a positive tone to this track delivered through apparent antonyms thematically...it's a song about defiance, independence...asserting yourself and living YOUR life how you want to, backed up by a superb music video, it's one giant, happy middle finger and is nothing less than a modern indie-anthem; a brilliant start.

"Weak Spots" changes things up with a far more rock-driven number; the guitar is turned up and in it's own little ways it slots in somewhere between JOAN JETT and THE BEATSTEAKS in it's overall delivery. The riff is simple and generally the song has a slower tempo; it retains some of the subtle blues elements in tone but for the most part would appeal to fans of the likes of THE BLACK KEYS for example, before we shift gears once more for "Alone In The Summer". In three tracks, Johnossi have the ability to go from huge pop-rock anthems, to musically heavier pieces to beautifully painful ballads with ease. It's slow and deliberate delivery, it's heartfelt lyrical content and sorrowful performance is both mournful and breathtaking at the same time and this is a superb track from the Swede's, an easy EP highlight, while we then finish up on a remix of the title track. It's a funky rendition but fails to portray the same message as the original, detracting from it's overall appeal.

​So what can be said about Johnossi? Between them, they have produced a brilliantly diverse EP only in the space of four tracks, despite being so basic at a core level as a band if you will, they have the confidence and ability to alter their sound to great effect in terms of style and approach but more importantly impress each time. The "Air Is Free" really should be as essential to your ears as the oxygen you inhale is to your lungs...one of the EP's of the year. [8]

Leave a Reply.

News & Reviews

Gavin J Griffiths, a.k.a GavTheGothicChav, lover of new music and supporter of bands. Inspired by a mixture of horror and comedy, and fueled by a blend of alcohol and sarcasm...if you're singer / in a band and would like a review written up, please do get in touch via the email address at the top of the page and I'll get back to you ASAP. Much love x